Capture the teaching moment.

Terri Schiavo, 41 years old, died two weeks after the feeding tube which had kept her alive since 1990 was removed. She had suffered brain damage from cerebral anoxia and was long ago declared to be in a "persistent vegetative state."

Thus, the life and death of Terri Schiavo became

an epic legal battle, one which profoundly stirred the national interest. The case was riveting, if for no other reason, because the questions it raised were so tough! Debate continues about the significance of her death, with everyone still grappling with the facts, the laws, and the cast of characters. The image of Terri's lifeless face is embedded in our collective psyche.

The questions go on and on. Was Terri or was Terri not in a persistent vegetative state? Even renowned medical authorities couldn't seem to come to agreement on that fundamental question. And even if she was, was this an end-of-life issue? Was Terri really dying? Or was she simply a disabled person who needed help to remain alive? Was she being kept alive by extraordinary means? Does a feeding tube constitute heroic artificial measures?

There were so many cross currents running, not the least of which was the long-standing battle between Terri's husband Michael and her parents Bob and Mary Schindler. Do you think Michael had Terri's best interests at heart? Were Terri's wishes really being honored as Michael claims? Certainly, there was a lack of clear and convincing evidence of Terri's desires. Too, there were innuendoes of financial gain as it may have related to Terri's care and her husband's real intentions. Then there were the hints of spousal abuse. Why was Michael so opposed to Terri's parents taking responsibility for her physical care?

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Did the whole case become a political football? Did the "pro-life" movement seize an opportunity to use Terri's suffering as a convenient vector to mobilize its interests? Was Terri's pathetic predicament exploited for political or social gain?

And last but hardly least, should the government have ever gotten involved in deciding Terri's fate? Should congressmen be given the responsibility of deciding who lives and who dies? Should state governors be allowed to take control of the destiny of those whose wishes are unknown? What can come of all this???